'Poetry in Motion': Teens breach the gap

Christina Hennessy, Connecticut Post

Christina Hennessy, Staff Writer

Published 8:00 pm, Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Regie Gibson, far right, rehearses with student performers, from left, Jackson Ward, Cressida Richards, Ali Kandiew and Madeline Driver, in preparation of the Wilton Library’s fifth annual Poetry in Motion event. The teen's work can be seen Friday and Saturday, March 25 and 26, beginning at 7:30 each night. Receptions follow the performances.
Photo: Contributed Photo

A mix of poetry, dance and music will greet those who gather for the fifth annual "Poetry in Motion" at the Wilton Library this weekend.

Featuring the work of teens in grades seven to 12, the event will focus on "Bridging the Gap." In their poems, the teens explored how people can come together, even amid their differences. Topics used to convey that span included socioeconomics, technology, age, gender, culture, religion, ethnicity and others, according to the organizers.

The event stretches over two evenings, Friday and Saturday, March 25 and 26, which allows organizers to feature the nearly 35 poems that were selected this year.

"In the fall, we go out and advertise in the schools," said teen librarian Susan Lauricella, who added that any teen in the area is welcome to submit a poem. A student board, working with librarians, is asked to select those that will be featured that year.

"I ask that they pick a good mix -- some long, some short, some serious and some fun," Lauricella said, adding that efforts are made for equitable distribution of the grades, as well.

Not all of the selected authors read their pieces, Lauricella said.

"Most of the poems are performed by the people who wrote them," she said. "But there are some people who like to write, but they don't like to perform. And there are some who like to perform, but they don't like to write."

There also will be dancers, musicians and photographers whose talents will be featured. Receptions will follow each performance.

"What I love best about this program, is that it brings together different grades and groups who never met before," Lauricella said. "And, they are really supportive and good with each other. They create a bond."

The Wilton Library is at 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton. Friday and Saturday, March 25 and 26, 7:30 p.m. $5 per night, at the library's circulation desk. Limited tickets at the door, if event does not sell out. 203-762-3950, ext. 243; www.wiltonlibrary.org.